Some of you might remember Richard O’Brien from the 1975 cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. O’Brien has enjoyed a long career in offbeat film, television and stage shows since those days, including the Rocky Horror sequel Shock Treatment and the gamer geek flick Dungeons and Dragons.
Now O’Brien is back on London television screens with a quirky new show that is sure to be a hit. Richard O’Brien’s Dead Strange will travel the country to teach viewers all about the odd side of the funeral business and associated rituals. The show will investigate weird wills, offbeat family rituals, unusual funeral cars, bizarre deaths and other macabre yet fascinating topics.
So far we have been promised shows that investigate a group of early surfing pioneers, practicing on coffin lids; Volkswagen camper hearses; the mystery of Jay’s Grave on Dartmoor and plenty of surprises.
The only catch? So far the show is only airing in London. For those of us on this side of the Atlantic, it may be difficult to catch episodes. Nonetheless, if the show takes off, there is always the possibility of broadcast on BBC America. In the meantime, you may be able to find episodes online.
Funerals and death in general are among the last remaining television taboos, and this new show is expected to finally break down those walls. While death remains a serious topic that deserves respect, it is something that humans have an innate fascination for. The show should prove extremely interesting and perhaps even educational.
What do you think? Do you want to watch a show based on funeral cars, funeral rituals and bizarre deaths? Or do you think the show has crossed a line that should never be crossed? Your thoughts are welcome!
July 9th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
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